Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims during an operation in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The rescue followed an offensive operation aimed at restricting the activities and movement of terrorists within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, said the operation was conducted on 15 September 2026.
According to him, troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison, working alongside personnel of 45 Battalion, launched a fighting patrol after receiving credible intelligence about the convergence of suspected terrorists in the area.
He said the terrorists fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing troops.
The soldiers pursued them along their escape routes, leading to the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims and the recovery of three motorcycles and other items abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Adewumi said one of the rescued victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, sustained injuries while in captivity and was immediately evacuated to a clinic, where he is responding to treatment.
He added that all 22 victims had been handed over to the Muchiya community leadership and reunited with their families.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their resilience and determination during the operation, while urging them to sustain the tempo of operations and maintain control across the brigade’s area of responsibility.
He also reassured residents of Muchiya and neighbouring communities of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The commander urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements in their communities.
